By Emeka Nwani

The Egyptian safe pair of hands has revealed why he decided to come to Nigeria to ply his trade

Dolphins’ Egyptian goalkeeper, Awgad Magd says war and crises are the two factors that brought him to Nigeria.

Magd was recently signed on to play for Nigeria Premier League side Dolphins after he impressed officials of the club in the pre-season camp in Nnewi.

Magd who holds dual Egyptian and Syrian nationality says he played in Syria until the war started and he knew he needed a fresh start.

“When the war started in Syria I knew I had to leave but I could not return to the League in Egypt because the crisis there had caused it to be suspended so I had to call my manager to ask for options.

“My manager told me about Dolphins and Nigeria and said it was okay and I decided to come because Dolphins is a very big name in Egypt so it wasn’t long before I accepted after speaking with the coach, Stanley Eguma,” Magd said.

To get the starting shirt in the team, Magd has to contend with Sunday Rotimi, Austin Brown and Akombo Terhimon which he says has been an exciting experience.

“Rotimi and Brown are big names. I heard about them even before I came here and I learn from them every day, just like I am sure they learn from me. We all train hard together and I know it is for the good of the team eventually not any individual.

“I also listen to the coaches so I can learn. Dolphins have big coaches who have big experience and I am here to learn,” Magd said.

Magd started his career in the U-15 team of Zamalek where he played for five years before moving to Syria. He has also had stints in Bulgaria and Dubai before crossing down to Nigeria.

Dolphins finished in the 11th position of the NPL with 50 points last season.